Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree teased in cryptic shield details

FromSoftware's Elden Ring, renowned for its depth of lore and hidden secrets, appears to have been teasing its Shadow of the Erdtree DLC all along. A recent discovery by eagle-eyed fans suggests that a seemingly innocuous item, the Candletree Wooden Shield, may hold clues to the upcoming expansion's storyline.

The Candletree Wooden Shield, found in the punishing Atlus Plateau region, bears a description hinting at a forbidden prophecy of cardinal sin. This description, combined with the shield's iconography of a candle-tree design, has sparked speculation among Elden Ring enthusiasts.

Director Hidetaka Miyazaki previously mentioned in an interview that there was a "small element" about the DLC that players had not yet discovered in the base game. Fans are now speculating that this mysterious shield and its connection to Messmer the Impaler, a new boss in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, could be that missing link.

Messmer the Impaler, depicted as a red-haired demigod, is seen in the DLC trailer surrounded by lit candles, possibly indicating an affiliation with the Candletree faction. The shield's description mentioning the forbidden candle-tree design aligns with the theme of sins and secrecy surrounding Messmer.

Further fueling the theory are hidden candelabras found in the Haligtree Prayer Room, believed to be a nod to Messmer's faction. These discoveries have led fans to believe that the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC's narrative may revolve around uncovering the truth about Messmer's past and his connection to the forbidden candle-tree.

While these interpretations are speculative, they add an exciting layer of anticipation for the upcoming DLC, set to release on June 21st. Players can now pre-order the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC for $40, eager to delve deeper into the mysteries of Elden Ring's intricate world.

With the arrival of this DLC, Elden Ring continues to captivate players with its rich storytelling and intricate details. The game's ability to weave hidden narratives and secrets into its environment and items showcases FromSoftware's commitment to creating immersive and engaging experiences for players.

As the release date approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to explore the Shadow of the Erdtree and uncover the secrets hidden within the game's enigmatic world. The success of Elden Ring and its DLCs highlights the enduring appeal of deep, lore-driven games in the industry, setting a high standard for future titles to follow.